Solar power is widely regarded as the way forward for a cleaner power source and a more sustainable future. Most homes and businesses are looking for power systems that are less reliant on limited fossil fuels, which is where solar power comes in.
By using the sun to heat panels and keep a home warm, you can change your home’s power system and even challenge less sustainable habits. There are three main types of solar power systems, with different amounts of reliance on other means of power generation.
It could be worth finding one that is best suited for you and your home ahead of time.
Solar Power Options
The most common form of solar power which is widely available in a range of homes, regardless of the climate, are solar panels. These work by harnessing the sun’s energy to produce electricity.
Photovoltaics, or PV cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity. These are also known as solar panels, and can be installed onto the roofs of buildings to generate power. Another way in which solar power is used and generated is known as concentrated solar power.
Concentrated solar power (CSP) uses mirrors to focus sunlight onto a central tower, where it heats molten salt. In turn, this generates steam that spins a turbine generator. The heat can then be used for various purposes, including generating electricity.
Below are three types of solar power systems that can be integrated into your home or business easily.
Off Grid
This is the most renewable source of energy that does not rely on additional electricity grid connections. It can be an ideal choice for someone who wants to reduce their carbon footprint or rely less on a regular power source.
Setting up an off-grid solar power system can be challenging at first, but it is the most effective way to save money on utilities in the long run. Solar calculators come in handy for estimating what these costs and savings might look like. Not only that, but off-grid solar power systems are the most climate-friendly option out of the three.
There are different types of solar power systems which do not rely on the electricity grid. Some of these have a small battery power storage system, which allows you to use electricity at night or when the weather is less clear. Others can actually be connected to back up generators if preferred.
On Grid
Another way in which you can access solar power is by using an on-the-grid system. These normally use the standard electric grid connection when the natural resources from the sun cannot be used. Homes and buildings with solar panels on their roof will benefit from staying on the grid for access to electricity when needed, such as emergencies.
Using power from the mainstream electric grid can also be combined with solar power without relying on solar panels on your roof. If you live in an apartment or have an unusual shaped roof to your home, then you could use the power generated from solar farms.
These store the power generated and distribute it to larger areas using a similar framework to the electric grid. This could be an ideal way of getting access to both forms of power. These tend not to have access to a battery because they are connected to the main grid.
Hybrid
Like the name suggests, hybrid power systems offer a combination of features from off-grid and on-grid solar power systems. Some homes choose to stay on the grid while having solar panels on the roofs of their homes.
This allows access to power during a blackout or electricity shortage, because you will be able to use the solar power which has been collected and stored appropriately. Battery banks are normally included in hybrid systems, so that you can access power at all times when necessary.
Other individuals prefer this solar power system because they have the option of completely disconnecting from the main electric grid while keeping their homes running.
Summary
Solar power has widely been considered to be the way forward towards more sustainable and renewable distributed energy resources. There are more creative ways of integrating solar power systems into the modern home thanks to innovative technologies.
Because of this, it is easier to make decisions that can support the planet in the future. If you are considering your home’s environmental impact and your carbon footprint, it could be worth taking a closer look into the individual pros and cons of the different solar power systems available.
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